A large group of excited grade-schoolers piled into the lobby of the Oregon Humane Society today, bearing Valentine's gifts.

No, the smiling fourth-graders from Portland's Duniway Elementary didn't bring flowers or chocolate to the shelter - those are poison to the animals. The children hauled about 3,000 pounds of pet food into the lobby, the result of their annual drive.

Jessica Coleman, one of two teachers involved in the effort, said the pet-food drive - now in its sixth year of steady growth - is carried entirely by the children.

"All the funds come from the kids," she said. "Many bring in their allowances."

The roughly $700 generated by the children since December was supplemented by food donations from area pet stores.

Coleman said participating in the pet food drive teaches the students about the importance of giving to someone in need.

"Most of these kids have pets they love," she said. "They feel bad for the animals here (in the shelter)."